Vale Park Animal Hospital and Valpo PD get residents and their dogs active for K-9 Run

On May 15, Residents of Valparaiso got their running shoes on for the Valparaiso Police Department’s 2026 K-9 Run. Dozens of Region runners suited up for a dash across downtown Valparaiso, many of whom brought their dogs along for the course. Vale Park Animal Hospital, who works closely with the Valparaiso Police to maintain their dogs’ health, encouraged participants to run alongside their dogs, helping both pet and owner get some physical activity. Volunteers met participants at the finish line with bottled water and hot dogs. Several water bowls were set out in the shade for the tuckered-out pets to quench their thirst or mingle with one another.

The runners themselves were remarkably diverse, as folks of all ages were seen running and walking throughout Valparaiso’s streets. All sorts of family combinations, from father daughter duos to grandmothers and grandsons, sported athletic gear and competition bib numbers, experiencing the K-9 run together.

Vale Park Animal Hospital worked closely with the Valparaiso Police Department’s K-9 unit for this event. The Valparaiso Police Department has a strong relationship with Vale Park, who gives their K-9 Unit dogs regular check-ups and round-the-clock emergency service if needed.

Cheyenne Smith, a Vale Park Animal Hospital employee, values the relationship that Vale Park has with the Valparaiso Police Department’s K-9 Unit, believing that events like the K-9 Run are important for supporting them.

“It’s really great working with them. Their handlers are awesome. They make us feel safe while we’re working with the canines as well,” Smith said.

Smith finds her work at Vale Park Animal Hospital to be incredibly fulfilling, whether it’s working events like the K-9 run or helping out their veterinarians.

“Honestly, it’s one of my favorite jobs that I’ve ever had,” Smith said. “The community at work is awesome, and everybody gets along really well.”

Events like the K-9 run have dozens of participants over a several hour span, which can make running the event difficult for the Vale Park employees, but it’s worth it for them. They enjoy supporting their relationship with the Valparaiso Police Department’s K-9 unit and giving the community a fun, active, pet-friendly run to enjoy with friends and family.

“It’s a little bit difficult to manage when we have a lot of people. Sometimes, a flood of people will come in at once rather than just trickle through,” Smith said.

The K-9 run is important for the animal hospital itself and the community of Valparaiso. It supplies residents with a space to get active alongside their adorable fuzzy companions and also supports the Valparaiso Police Department’s K-9 unit through merchandise sales and positive exposure.

Vale Park Animal Hospital has more events in store for this summer. The Lakeshore PAWS Pup Crawl, also held in Valparaiso, is a massive dog walk held by both Vale Park and Lakeshore PAWS to help raise awareness and funds for homeless dogs in the Valparaiso community.

More information on The Vale Park Animal Hospital can be found at valeparkah.com.